July 8, 2009 - Kimberly Charise Gonzalez, a cosmetology student at Albany Technical College, recently won the bronze medal in the Nail Care category at the National SkillsUSA Championship held in Kansas City, Missouri in June. Gonzalez, of Leesburg, also earned a gold medal in Nail Care at the state level competition earlier this year. She plans to work in a salon, performing hair and nail care, after graduation. Eventually, she hopes to own her own salon. She is married with two children.

Two other Albany Tech students also competed at the national championship. Rachel Kimbrel, a practical nursing student from Albany, placed fourth in Prepared Speech category. Ashley Hall, a Medical Assisting student from Albany, received an Honorable Mention in the Medical Terminology competition.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, as well as high school and college students, who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). More than 5,000 students from across the nation competed in 91 contests in technical, skill and service occupations at the championship. Students must earn gold medals at the state level to qualify for nationals.